System iron

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for wrinkle removal require separate devices for ironing and steaming, and existing steaming apparatuses cannot perform ironing operations efficiently, especially when dealing with garments that need to be buttoned up before steaming and require close contact with the ironing plate for effective wrinkle removal.

Innovation Solution

A system iron that integrates a steam generator, a rotatable ironing plate with steam nozzles, a first fan for air discharge or suction, and a second fan for cooling, allowing for both ironing and steaming operations with a single apparatus. The system includes a spreading unit for tensioning garments, a front press for holding the front surface, and arm tensioners for sleeves, enabling operation in different modes and rapid cooling of the iron.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single device is used for both ironing and steaming, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewrinkle removal functionalityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ironing device is designed to perform multiple functions including ironing, steaming, and garment stretching by integrating different operational modes within a single device structure, allowing users to switch between functions without requiring separate appliances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into functional modules including a steam generation system, an ironing plate system, and a garment stretching mechanism, each capable of independent operation to achieve different wrinkle removal effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the ironing plate is used for close contact ironing, then ironing effectiveness is improved, but garment safety deteriorates due to potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveironing efficiencyVSAvoidgarment damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows dynamic adjustment of the ironing plate temperature and contact pressure parameters, enabling users to select appropriate settings for different garment types to achieve effective wrinkle removal while preventing damage to sensitive fabrics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

A protective layer or intermediary material is introduced between the ironing plate and the garment, serving as a buffer that allows effective heat transfer for ironing while preventing direct contact damage to the garment surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the iron is cooled rapidly after use, then user safety is improved, but energy loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveburn hazardVSAvoidthermal energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A heat sink or cooling intermediary structure is introduced between the iron and the environment, facilitating rapid heat transfer from the iron to the cooling medium, thereby quickly reducing the iron temperature to safe levels while managing thermal energy dissipation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If garments are stretched and held during steaming, then steaming effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteaming efficiencyVSAvoidgarment holding mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The garment stretching and holding mechanism is designed with dynamic, adjustable components that can be moved and positioned as needed, allowing the device to adapt to different garment sizes and shapes while maintaining simplicity through motion rather than complex fixed structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables versatile wrinkle removal operations using a single device, ensures safe and efficient ironing by allowing garments to be held close or spaced from the plate, and rapidly cools the iron after use, improving the quality of ironing and user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a steam generator for generating steam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

a first fan for discharging air to the outside of the ironing plate or sucking air into the ironing plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 3

a second fan for cooling an iron placed on the ironing plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection cooling: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3564433B1System iron

Publication Date: 2022.10.05 LG ELECTRONICS INC

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a system iron. The system iron according to the embodiment includes a body including therein a steam generator for generating steam; an ironing plate, which is rotatably coupled to an upper portion of the body and which includes therein steam nozzles for spraying the steam generated by the steam generator to an outside; a first fan for discharging air to the outside of the ironing plate or sucking air into the ironing plate; and a second fan for cooling an iron placed on the ironing plate.